First CRC Monthly
...or almost monthly...Friday, October 20th
Looking Forward
It has been a little over four years since Julie and I drove into Hanford, parked our U-Haul at our new home, and stepped out into the 103 degree heat at 11:30pm. Over that time I have had the rich opportunity to serve as one of your pastors and to call you not just friends, but family.
Most of you know that shortly after moving across the country with Julie, in a course of 19 days I became a father for the first time, was examined to become a pastor, was ordained as a pastor, and then my dad passed away.
Whenever I think of that tumultuous start, I am so thankful for you! My family moved here to minister to a congregation, but before I could do that you ministered to me!
In this pastor's and staff appreciation month, Julie and I are truly grateful for all of you and the rich blessing of calling this place home.
Today I am simply writing to say "THANK YOU!" You are such an amazing congregation and it has been such as blessing to be your pastor. I am continually inspired by your Christ-like compassion, generosity, and willingness to serve others. I often remark that my church is filled with men and women who would willingly give the last shirt on their back to help someone else in need.
Pastor Lambert and I often remark together just how amazing it is to serve this particular congregation. He and I are truly grateful to be your pastors.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin
IN THIS ISSUE...
- Staff Appreciation Month
- First CRC "Housewarming" Update
- Reformation Day Services
- Life Group Update
1. STAFF APPRECIATION MONTH
Tim's is often the thankless job that only gets recognized when there's no toilet paper in the bathroom or there's a spill on the floor. But his work, in particular, is what allows each and every one of us the ability to come in and praise our Lord without hinderance because he prepared the space in such a way to say, 'We've been expecting you!' With our Nursery reno project, I have had numerous contractors remark, 'Wow! This place is pristine! Who takes care of this facility?' Tim's the man! What's more, he does so with quiet humility and a servant heart. He never complains, even though there are many cases that would warrant one.
If you contact the office, Nancy is the one you are greeted by. She is the face of First CRC. She answers calls, sends out emails, writes letters, balances budgets, prepares bulletins, handles accounts, assists pastors, council, and staff, takes messages, organizes files, prays with people, listens, cares, prays, and goes above and beyond to ensure that this church is cared for well. And she has been doing just that right here for over 30 years! Every morning I get to come into an office space where I am greeted by Nancy's smile and I am constantly inspired by her quiet dedication and humble service.
Amy's is the challenging and also richly rewarding job of leading an entire congregation in corporate worship. Music is what stirs the soul. It's often remarked that someone with dementia or alzheimer's will still remember the songs of their youth even long after they have forgotten the names of their own children. Why? Because through music the heart speaks. Amy knows this full well and yearns to bring men and women together in one voice to give glory to the one who deserves it all. She goes above and beyond each week so that we can do just that and has brought our entire staff closer together through her passion for "we" over "me." She is a real team player who longs to see the body of Christ function exactly as such - one body!
Lael has been serving as Youth Director at First for just a few months now, but if you've been paying attention you've already seen how she has completely opened her home and her heart to your kids so that they can see the love of Jesus through her living testimony. She serves because of her deep conviction to love God and His people and longs for the next generation to see God's faithfulness. She oversees not only the work of Senior High ministry, but the Middle School program, GEMS, and Cadets as well.
Sarah was given the impossible task to take charge of our children's ministries, implement new policies and procedures, train volunteer staff, update the children's ministry spaces, lead a renovation project, develop curriculum, work with parents, volunteers, and children on an ongoing basis, and anything else that moves towards creating an environment in which children can encounter the love of Jesus. It was a huge ask to say the least and from day one she chooses to serve with a joyful heart because of her love for the Lord.
As a congregation, I hope you can see just how blessed we are to have such a dedicated and hard-working staff. All of which have chosen to serve in this capacity because they love the church! I am deeply honored to serve alongside them each day.
In this "Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month," be sure to extend your gratitude for their incredibly hard work and their loving service to God's Kingdom.
1. HOUSEWARMING UPDATE
As most of you know, we have been making much-needed renovations to our children's ministries spaces and that project is almost complete. We still need to update our ceiling lighting in a few rooms and finish the flooring in the Children's Worship Check In room, but it is pretty much done.
Since that's true, we have decided to come alongside all of the parents, volunteers, and our children and to throw them a "Housewarming Party!"
This has been going on for a couple weeks and I am delighted to tell you that funds are coming in to make those spaces spectacular. We are now only $6000 away from our goal.
Would you prayerfully consider making a donation to the housewarming drive? Anything from a $1 on up would make a huge difference to make this dream a reality.
If you're interested in supporting this ministry, here's how:
1. ONLINE - Go to: www.hanfordcrc.org/housewarming and make an online donation.
2. CHECK - Otherwise you can simply write “Housewarming” on the memo of any financial gift and bring it along this Sunday.
2. REFORMATION DAY SERVICES
"...it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
EVENING WORSHIP - Also, we have been cordially invited to join Trinity United Reformed Church on Sunday night for a gathering of praise and worship to commemorate 500 years of the Reformation together. Council has decided to cheerfully accept their invitation. As such, our Sunday evening service will be cancelled so that all willing participants can join us at Trinity URC that evening.
If you're interested, take a look at the video below which does a great job of summarizing the events of the Reformation.
3. LIFE GROUP UPDATE
1. God's Word, and
2. Fellow Christians.
Take a look at a few photos from our Life Groups in the field SERVING in our community and enjoying one another's company during their SOCIALS:
About Us
Email: hanfordcrc@comcast.net
Website: hanfordcrc.org
Location: 2175 Leoni Drive, Hanford, CA, United States
Phone: (559) 582-4423
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanfordCRC/